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Music genres shape where money flows

Business

Superfan economy drives modern music careers

Music streaming payouts are still dominated by top artists

Music catalog sales surge as investors seek steady returns

How the music industry survived the digital transition

No, the MBTA is not expanding the Red Line to Lexington

Cambridge Vice Mayor Burhan Azeem spent $5K on fake MBTA expansion billboards.

Politics

MBTA riders in Cambridge, Medford and Somerville will be thrilled to find out the T has plans to extend electrified rapid transit well into the suburbs — but not for long. <ul><li>That&#x27;s because the news is an elaborate April Fools&#x27; Day prank put on by a political candidate.</li></ul>

Boston's World Cup organizers acknowledge fundraising woes

Boston trails behind other cities in corporate sponsorships and grant funding.

Boston&#x27;s World Cup organizers anticipate a smaller series of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fan celebrations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/02/10/world-cup-fanfest-boston-city-hall-plaza-2026" data-vars-content-id="9fa65038-9870-4648-9653-161028849f7b" data-vars-headline="Boston&#x27;s World Cup organizers acknowledge fundraising woes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/02/10/world-cup-fanfest-boston-city-hall-plaza-2026" target="_self">fan celebrations</a> this summer than they originally envisioned.Why it matters: They promised an international tournament that would boost Greater Boston&#x27;s economy, but so far, FIFA has been the biggest winner.

A blue wave would bury the Mass. GOP deeper

A blue wave won't shake up Beacon Hill, but it could leave Massachusetts Republicans with even less leverage.

If there&#x27;s a &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="blue wave" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/06/congressional-map-redistricting-vote-share-2026" data-vars-content-id="ce5dbc4f-fe5b-4b23-bad0-2fedf6d47fc8" data-vars-headline="A blue wave would bury the Mass. GOP deeper" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/06/congressional-map-redistricting-vote-share-2026" target="_self">blue wave</a>&quot; of Democratic success at the polls this fall, it won&#x27;t mean much for the leaders who already run Beacon Hill, but it could bury the opposition party even deeper.Why it matters: Republicans currently hold about 15 percent of seats across the House and Senate. It&#x27;s a small but not inconsequential presence that assures at least some open debate and public votes.<ul><li>Republicans have seen their numbers dwindle when Democrats win big.</li></ul>

We tried Dunkin's new banana lineup so you don't have to

Here is how the new cold foam treats actually taste.

News

Dunkin&#x27; has a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="banana-based lineup" data-vars-click-url="https://news.dunkindonuts.com/blog/banana-lineup-2026" data-vars-content-id="fc19061a-d87f-43f5-a989-5ea6c5193467" data-vars-headline="We tried Dunkin&#x27;s new banana lineup so you don&#x27;t have to" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://news.dunkindonuts.com/blog/banana-lineup-2026" target="_blank">banana-based lineup</a> for Spring 2026 and as a diehard banana Stan, I tried out some oft he new flavors on tap.What I&#x27;m saying: &quot;Wow, that is not what a banana tastes like,&quot; I blurted out to the dog, who has never had a banana and did not dispute my claim.

Healey: Trump will target elections

Outlined four specific tactics she says the federal government could use to interfere with voting

Gov. Maura Healey used Saturday&#x27;s &quot;No Kings&quot; rally on Boston Common and a subsequent State House press conference Monday to lay out a warning about President Donald Trump: she believes his administration will attempt to interfere with the 2026 elections.Why it matters: Healey, a former attorney general running for a second term as governor, framed federal election interference as a likely scenario, citing incidents involving a California sheriff and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fulton County, Georgia" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/02/05/fulton-county-election-raid-trump-retribution-georgia-voting" data-vars-content-id="f98be720-7001-469a-84c2-75ec33fac825" data-vars-headline="Healey: Trump will target elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/02/05/fulton-county-election-raid-trump-retribution-georgia-voting" target="_self">Fulton County, Georgia</a>, as showing an emerging pattern.

What's next for MBTA's new Red Line cars held by Trump administration

Detained Red Line train shells cleared — but with 190 cars still unbuilt and no updated timeline from CRRC MA, the end-of-2027 delivery target isn't looking so good.

Transit

The end of an international logjam involving the Trump administration could soon mean more new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Red Line" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2024/11/25/mbta-red-line-boston-phillip-eng" data-vars-content-id="51ef8b4e-fcf7-4796-be42-ead0835a9f79" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s next for MBTA&#x27;s new Red Line cars held by Trump administration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2024/11/25/mbta-red-line-boston-phillip-eng" target="_self">Red Line</a> subway cars in the tunnels beneath Boston.Why it matters: The clock is now ticking on a long-promised project already years behind schedule.

World Cup goers will see price hike on Commuter Rail

Acting Transportation Secretary Phil Eng said the prices aren't finalized, but they'll be higher.

The Commuter Rail will likely charge people far more for train tickets to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup matches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/03/19/boston-world-cup-funds" data-vars-content-id="d6e1f315-e43e-4dfe-a3f1-2194cb3013fe" data-vars-headline="World Cup goers will see price hike on Commuter Rail" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/03/19/boston-world-cup-funds" target="_self">World Cup matches</a> in Foxborough this summer, acting transportation secretary Phil Eng confirmed.Why it matters: Transportation officials want World Cup attendees to use public transit to minimize car traffic, but it will cost them.

Housing permits dip while prices remain high, report says

Mass. may see even slower housing construction in the next few years, while prices stay high.

Real Estate

Let&#x27;s start with the good news: Massachusetts has added nearly 98,000 new housing units in the past five years, including 71,000 in Greater Boston.<ul><li>The bad news: Permits for future house construction have dropped, and most renters can&#x27;t afford to buy a home here, per a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Boston Foundation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tbf.org/-/media/tbf/reports-and-covers/2025/2025-gr-boston-housing-report-card-final-2025.pdf" data-vars-content-id="059e28db-432e-469d-8406-919460bfa663" data-vars-headline="Housing permits dip while prices remain high, report says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tbf.org/-/media/tbf/reports-and-covers/2025/2025-gr-boston-housing-report-card-final-2025.pdf" target="_blank">Boston Foundation</a> report.</li></ul>

How severe climate risks could hurt Boston metro area homeowners

Nearly 15% of homes are at severe risk for extreme or severe wind damage.

Climate

Nearly 15% of homes in the Boston metro area face severe or extreme risk of hurricane wind damage, according to a Realtor.com <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.realtor.com/research/climate-risk-2025/" data-vars-content-id="04f439a6-b035-4d82-a2b1-98b10cb70367" data-vars-headline="How severe climate risks could hurt Boston metro area homeowners" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.realtor.com/research/climate-risk-2025/" target="_blank">analysis</a>.Why it matters: Climate change is intensifying extreme weather — hiking <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="home insurance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/26/home-insurance-premiums-cost-map" data-vars-content-id="04f439a6-b035-4d82-a2b1-98b10cb70367" data-vars-headline="How severe climate risks could hurt Boston metro area homeowners" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/26/home-insurance-premiums-cost-map" target="_self">home insurance</a> premiums in especially storm-prone areas and driving some insurers to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="retreat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/20/home-insurance-policy-dropped-climate-risks" data-vars-content-id="04f439a6-b035-4d82-a2b1-98b10cb70367" data-vars-headline="How severe climate risks could hurt Boston metro area homeowners" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/01/20/home-insurance-policy-dropped-climate-risks" target="_self">retreat</a>.

Utilities change course on charging interest on winter relief

Utilities asked state regulators early this week to let them charge interest on the deferred amount.

The Healey administration fended off an attempt by utility companies to charge interest on energy costs deferred under the governor&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="winter relief plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/01/22/healey-energy-bill-cut-massachusetts-winter-electric-gas-relief-fund" data-vars-content-id="06acfa04-cbd0-4312-bd58-5c95341bd51d" data-vars-headline="Utilities change course on charging interest on winter relief" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/01/22/healey-energy-bill-cut-massachusetts-winter-electric-gas-relief-fund" target="_self">winter relief plan</a>.Why it matters: The relief plan could have cost households more in the long run if utilities charged interest on the deferred amount.

Coworking can be costly in Boston, but options abound

Coworking companies promise a haven for productivity and community, but it'll cost you.

Coworking companies, large and small, promise a haven for productivity and maybe even community, but it&#x27;ll cost you.The big picture: Boston coworking spaces must balance the cost of doing business in one of the nation&#x27;s costliest real estate markets with members&#x27; tighter budgets.

Some of the largest Mass. organizations are vulnerable to phishing, survey says

Massachusetts lost more than $664,000 in 2024 from phishing attacks alone.

Some of Massachusetts&#x27; largest companies are vulnerable to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="phishing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/01/okta-phishing-sites-generative-ai" data-vars-content-id="42db8792-2048-42be-bf14-c0a226cbc2dd" data-vars-headline="Some of the largest Mass. organizations are vulnerable to phishing, survey says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/01/okta-phishing-sites-generative-ai" target="_self">phishing</a> attacks, a new survey suggests.Why it matters: Massachusetts, a hub for higher education, health care, tech and financial services, lost more than $664,000 in 2024 from phishing attacks alone, per the latest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FBI data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ic3.gov/AnnualReport/Reports/2024State/#?s=24" data-vars-content-id="42db8792-2048-42be-bf14-c0a226cbc2dd" data-vars-headline="Some of the largest Mass. organizations are vulnerable to phishing, survey says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ic3.gov/AnnualReport/Reports/2024State/#?s=24" target="_blank">FBI data</a>.

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Things to Do

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Mass. bottleneck for mental health patients in ERs shrinks, but problems persist

ER patients seeking mental health treatment on average spent well over a day waiting for inpatient beds.

Health

More than one-third of people who went to the emergency room for mental health conditions in 2024 spent 12 hours or more waiting for treatment, per a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new report" data-vars-click-url="https://masshpc.gov/publications/policyresearch-brief/emergency-department-boarding-commonwealth-massachusetts" data-vars-content-id="55daee36-61b1-4523-ac58-4b8283d229c1" data-vars-headline="Mass. bottleneck for mental health patients in ERs shrinks, but problems persist" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://masshpc.gov/publications/policyresearch-brief/emergency-department-boarding-commonwealth-massachusetts" target="_blank">new report</a>. Why it matters: These patients wait on average more than a day for inpatient beds or other treatment in Massachusetts, among the longest wait times in the nation. Any wait longer than 12 hours is referred to as boarding.

New England governors back nuclear in bipartisan push

All six chief executives signed on to explore next-generation nuclear power in their states.

New England&#x27;s six governors are banding together to explore collective plans on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nuclear energy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/31/nuclear-reactor-plants-new-build-ai" data-vars-content-id="43ab131e-aa0f-4260-9ffc-a0e0299af9d4" data-vars-headline="New England governors back nuclear in bipartisan push" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/31/nuclear-reactor-plants-new-build-ai" target="_self">nuclear energy</a> as the region braces for future electricity surges.Why it matters: ISO New England projects electricity consumption will climb more than 40% over the next two decades, and peak winter demand could potentially double by 2045.<ul><li>In a joint statement, the governors say nuclear is essential to keeping the New England grid reliable and affordable.</li></ul>

Your trash takes on dog poop

"I am a dog owner and it is unbelievably irresponsible to just leave it," one reader said.

Axios Boston readers who responded to our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="survey on doggy bag etiquette" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/03/26/doggy-bag-etiquette-poll-poop" data-vars-content-id="f63d5026-bc10-4cb2-b740-96b46692ee2f" data-vars-headline="Your trash takes on dog poop" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/03/26/doggy-bag-etiquette-poll-poop" target="_self">survey on doggy bag etiquette</a> had a lot of feelings about the issue.The verdict: &quot;Trash is trash,&quot; as many of you wrote to us, and that means disposing of dog crap at home or in a public bin.

Expect big crowds at Mass. "No Kings" protests

Over 160 "No Kings" protests are scheduled across Massachusetts Saturday.

Organizers behind the nationwide <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;No Kings&quot; protests" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/24/bruce-springsteen-joan-baez-no-kings-twin-cities" data-vars-content-id="7c110bfe-5fc6-42de-84b0-f027ab4b95df" data-vars-headline="Expect big crowds at Mass. &quot;No Kings&quot; protests" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/24/bruce-springsteen-joan-baez-no-kings-twin-cities" target="_self">&quot;No Kings&quot; protests</a> claim more than 160 rallies are scheduled across the Commonwealth tomorrow.Why it matters: Massachusetts is playing a big role in the nationwide mobilization organizers describe as possibly the largest single-day protest in U.S. history.

What's proper doggy bag etiquette? Vote in our poll

Take the poll and let us know what you think.

Spotted in the South End: A full doggy bag sitting on the windshield of a car.Zoom in: We don&#x27;t know if it belonged to the owner of the car, who planned to return and throw it out later, or a stranger using the car as a dumping ground.

Boston cop's shooting charge roils DA race, divides city councilors

Boston cop shooting charge roils DA race, with Rollins, Flaherty and Mullen weighing runs against Hayden — while councilors split on how to frame King's death.

The manslaughter charge filed against <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Boston Police Officer Nicholas O&#x27;Malley" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/03/21/metro/officer-arrest-strong-message/" data-vars-content-id="ed38ac76-c5b5-46d8-b8d0-8a959f075308" data-vars-headline="Boston cop&#x27;s shooting charge roils DA race, divides city councilors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/03/21/metro/officer-arrest-strong-message/" target="_blank">Boston Police Officer Nicholas O&#x27;Malley</a> for the on-duty shooting death of a carjacking suspect has ignited two separate political firestorms.<ul><li>One is directed at Suffolk DA Kevin Hayden for bringing charges, the other inside the Boston City Council chamber.</li></ul>Why it matters: The case has revived longstanding tensions over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="police accountability" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/21/database-federal-police-misconduct-trump-deletes" data-vars-content-id="ed38ac76-c5b5-46d8-b8d0-8a959f075308" data-vars-headline="Boston cop&#x27;s shooting charge roils DA race, divides city councilors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/21/database-federal-police-misconduct-trump-deletes" target="_self">police accountability</a> in Boston while scrambling the Suffolk DA race.

Things to do in Boston this week

From a 35mm Bob Odenkirk premiere to Eddie Izzard's one-woman Hamlet, here is your curated guide to Boston.

Monday, 3/16<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Irish in Boston" data-vars-click-url="https://framinghamlibrary.org/calendar/event/the-irish-in-boston" data-vars-content-id="a7fef10d-ac18-4201-b2fd-f2793f7f90b5" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Boston this week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://framinghamlibrary.org/calendar/event/the-irish-in-boston" target="_blank">The Irish in Boston</a> features historian Anthony Sammarco at the Framingham Public Library. He&#x27;ll explore the 19th and 20th-century institutions—from Boston College to the Cathedral of the Holy Cross—founded by Irish immigrants, 7pm–8pm.<ul><li>Free.</li></ul>

Boston's biggest concerts this spring and summer

Boston is packed with concerts this spring and summer despite Boston Calling's hiatus.

Some of the world&#x27;s biggest acts are coming to Boston this spring and summer.The intrigue: Boston is drawing stars like R&amp;B singer Ari Lennox to jam band Phish, even as Boston Calling takes a hiatus in 2026.

Boston-area things to do, 2/23-3/1

The Femmes bring back "Gay Prom" and the Museum of Science talks psychedelics.

Monday, 2/23🎤 Tracy Palandijan, CEO and cofounder of the nonprofit Social Finance, discusses how investing and partnerships can drive change in education, workforce development, housing and more at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kennedy Institute," data-vars-click-url="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-person-event-tracy-palandjian-on-investing-in-opportunity-tickets-1980734758984" data-vars-content-id="f14c517e-43cb-456f-a692-0a282a56020e" data-vars-headline="Boston-area things to do, 2/23-3/1" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/in-person-event-tracy-palandjian-on-investing-in-opportunity-tickets-1980734758984" target="_blank">Kennedy Institute,</a> 5:30pm-6:30pm.

Boston's blockbuster 2026 brings World Cup, Tall Ships and more

From the World Cup to the 250th anniversary of the U.S., here is what is coming to Boston in 2026.

Between the 250th anniversary of the nation&#x27;s founding, the return of the Tall Ships and the first-ever <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup matches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/01/09/world-cup-gillette-stadium-massachusetts-planning-venue-issues" data-vars-content-id="6d435a92-e92b-44de-adcd-9d12f5ffdb2a" data-vars-headline="Boston&#x27;s blockbuster 2026 brings World Cup, Tall Ships and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/01/09/world-cup-gillette-stadium-massachusetts-planning-venue-issues" target="_self">World Cup matches</a> at Gillette Stadium, Boston is getting ready for one of its busiest years yet.Why it matters: The semiquincentennial and World Cup add an extra layer of festivities to a packed schedule that already includes the 130th Boston Marathon and usual harbor festivities.

Winteractive returns with giant art installations across downtown Boston

Giant eyeballs watch over downtown Boston as Winteractive returns.

Boston&#x27;s signature winter art exhibition is up and running for a third year, with 18 international installations designed to bring people to public spaces during the coldest months.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Winteractive" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/01/17/winteractive-pink-men-trees-art-boston" data-vars-content-id="dfbece46-ad4f-463b-a5b9-d68b134d5cb2" data-vars-headline="Winteractive returns with giant art installations across downtown Boston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2025/01/17/winteractive-pink-men-trees-art-boston" target="_self">Winteractive</a> is a free, walkable exhibition that transforms downtown into a big, snowy outdoor art gallery.

Seaport hotel turns doing your taxes into a cocktail party

Ditch the home office for Kestra's new Admin Nights.

The Omni Boston Hotel in the Seaport bets you&#x27;d rather tackle your <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tax forms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/08/irs-tax-season-2026-taxes-refund" data-vars-content-id="2efe9023-db6c-4110-8d12-2182ec0a7688" data-vars-headline="Seaport hotel turns doing your taxes into a cocktail party" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/08/irs-tax-season-2026-taxes-refund" target="_self">tax forms</a> with the help of a &quot;Task Tamer Margarita&quot; than suffer alone at home.Why it matters: &quot;Life admin&quot; is the newest nightlife trend. People gather to dispatch their to-do list of boring administrative duties in a bar, restaurant or at a friend&#x27;s home with others doing similar menial tasks.

RFK Jr. took aim at Dunkin'. Mass. residents threatened revolts

RFK Jr. took aim at Dunkin's sugary coffee drinks. Massachusetts residents blew up.

The United States&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="250th anniversary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/07/black-history-250-who-decides" data-vars-content-id="c892d6ba-a617-43da-98dc-fc962d4a2d41" data-vars-headline="RFK Jr. took aim at Dunkin&#x27;. Mass. residents threatened revolts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/07/black-history-250-who-decides" target="_self">250th anniversary</a> may be remembered as the year a Kennedy declared war on Massachusetts.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dunkin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/02/25/dunkin-boston-iced-coffee-mitten-bucket" data-vars-content-id="c892d6ba-a617-43da-98dc-fc962d4a2d41" data-vars-headline="RFK Jr. took aim at Dunkin&#x27;. Mass. residents threatened revolts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/02/25/dunkin-boston-iced-coffee-mitten-bucket" target="_self">Dunkin</a>&#x27;, the Bay State&#x27;s beloved coffee chain, is the Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy&#x27;s latest target.

Restaurant under scrutiny after Patriots players' late-night party

Estella's owner may now face penalties from licensing officials.

Sports

A downtown Boston restaurant may face penalties for hosting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Patriots" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/02/09/super-bowl-patriots-loss" data-vars-content-id="41b46e05-61c3-4fdb-95b1-8d6ac172243a" data-vars-headline="Restaurant under scrutiny after Patriots players&#x27; late-night party" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/02/09/super-bowl-patriots-loss" target="_self">Patriots</a> players after hours in a pot- and hookah-filled celebration in January.Why it matters: Helder George Brandao, the owner of Estella on Temple Place, said the celebration caught him by surprise and broke several local laws and regulations.<ul><li>Brandao described the evening to the Boston Licensing Board on Tuesday morning, per reporting by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="UniversalHub" data-vars-click-url="https://www.universalhub.com/2026/downtown-bar-owner-says-patriots-came-celebrate-his-place-after-they" data-vars-content-id="41b46e05-61c3-4fdb-95b1-8d6ac172243a" data-vars-headline="Restaurant under scrutiny after Patriots players&#x27; late-night party" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.universalhub.com/2026/downtown-bar-owner-says-patriots-came-celebrate-his-place-after-they" target="_blank">UniversalHub</a>.</li></ul>

How to do Dine Out Boston on a budget

The restaurant week aims to bring new customers to local eateries, but it's becoming pricer.

Food and Drink

Dine Out Boston returns this week with more restaurants and higher price points.The intrigue: The restaurant week aims to bring new customers to local eateries, but it&#x27;s becoming harder for cash-strapped Boston-area residents to enjoy.

Food hall app Wonder opening 9 Mass. restaurants

Wonder opens locations in Natick, Belmont and Framingham Thursday with more on the way.

A fast-growing company that&#x27;s part-restaurant, part-food pickup and delivery app opens three Massachusetts locations Thursday.Why it matters: Massachusetts is the latest market for New York-based Wonder, which is ramping up operations across the Northeast.

Foodie's closure sparks fight over South End storefronts

Residents fended off an attempt to convert the market into a school. But the battle's not over.

South End residents convinced a private school to back off plans to turn a grocery store into classrooms, but that&#x27;s just half the battle.The big picture: The news of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Foodie&#x27;s Market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/02/04/foodies-market-closure" data-vars-content-id="7c582db7-c9e0-4abc-9083-f2e6fec22da5" data-vars-headline="Foodie&#x27;s closure sparks fight over South End storefronts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/02/04/foodies-market-closure" target="_self">Foodie&#x27;s Market</a> closing in June has mobilized residents to lobby for a new grocer to maintain food access around 1421 Washington St., the only supermarket in that part of the South End.

South End market closure sparks food access debate

Residents called on city planners to reject efforts to convert the space for a private school.

The impending closure of a South End market has sparked a debate over what should replace it — another grocer or a growing private school.The big picture: Foodie&#x27;s Markets&#x27; South End location is the latest small grocer in the Boston area to shutter.

How over 27,000 Mass. residents got medical debt wiped out

The $42 million total amounts to an average of $1,560 per recipient.

Some 27,000 eastern Massachusetts residents are getting letters in the mail with rare good news: They&#x27;re the latest beneficiaries of a debt relief initiative, and some, if not all, of their medical debt has been wiped out.Why it matters: One in eight Massachusetts residents has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="medical debt" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/02/14/medical-debt-united-states" data-vars-content-id="3aeb954c-e0ae-49fd-afcb-538690df0655" data-vars-headline="How over 27,000 Mass. residents got medical debt wiped out" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/02/14/medical-debt-united-states" target="_self">medical debt</a>, per the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Center for Health Information and Analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chiamass.gov/assets/docs/r/pubs/2025/Understanding-Medical-Debt-in-Massachusetts.pdf" data-vars-content-id="3aeb954c-e0ae-49fd-afcb-538690df0655" data-vars-headline="How over 27,000 Mass. residents got medical debt wiped out" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chiamass.gov/assets/docs/r/pubs/2025/Understanding-Medical-Debt-in-Massachusetts.pdf" target="_blank">Center for Health Information and Analysis</a>.<ul><li>Among Black residents, that number is one in five. </li></ul>

Why Mass. hasn't reformed cannabis workplace safety since worker's death

It's been four years since Lorna McMurrey died at a Holyoke cultivation site.

Four years since a Holyoke worker&#x27;s death after inhaling cannabis dust, Massachusetts <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="regulators" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/02/13/massachusetts-cannabis-cultivation-sites" data-vars-content-id="2e7dba20-ef69-40b3-80a3-d8ea4783a09c" data-vars-headline="Why Mass. hasn&#x27;t reformed cannabis workplace safety since worker&#x27;s death" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/02/13/massachusetts-cannabis-cultivation-sites" target="_self">regulators</a> haven&#x27;t imposed new rules or penalties to prevent exposure to the workplace hazard.<ul><li>And they don&#x27;t have the power to do so unilaterally.</li></ul>

What we know about The Croft School's financial troubles

A month ago, The Croft School was planning to expand. Now, it's struggling to keep its doors open.

Education

A month ago, The Croft School was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="discussing expansion plans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/02/10/foodies-market-south-end" data-vars-content-id="ffd83883-b38a-40ca-a47d-2c15a406e25f" data-vars-headline="What we know about The Croft School&#x27;s financial troubles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/02/10/foodies-market-south-end" target="_self">discussing expansion plans</a> in the South End.<ul><li>Now, the private school is struggling to keep its doors open amid allegations that its founder hid $13 million in debt.</li></ul>

Mass. startup aims to bring archival work into 21st century

Archives nationwide face decades-long backlogs. A startup aims to modernize their preservation.

Countless records that shed light on this <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="250-year-old nation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/07/black-history-250-who-decides" data-vars-content-id="1089d381-1de9-45cb-a76f-cf64bc3ec76f" data-vars-headline="Mass. startup aims to bring archival work into 21st century" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/07/black-history-250-who-decides" target="_self">250-year-old nation</a> have languished in boxes and warehouses for decades.<ul><li>A Massachusetts-based startup wants to modernize the cataloguing process to help preserve those items before it&#x27;s too late.</li></ul>

Here's how much the Dubliner, Carrie Nation owed workers, per AG

Two Boston restaurants settled with the state to resolve allegations of wage law violations.

Two downtown Boston restaurants owed workers thousands of dollars in unpaid wages before the eateries settled with the state attorney general&#x27;s office, per the settlement agreement.Catch up quick: The AG&#x27;s office investigated allegations that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Dubliner and Carrie Nation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/03/10/carrie-nation-dubliner-settle-wage-theft-violations-with-mass-ag" data-vars-content-id="67daa121-98a2-4bb5-bfef-4b73de93a35d" data-vars-headline="Here&#x27;s how much the Dubliner, Carrie Nation owed workers, per AG" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/boston/2026/03/10/carrie-nation-dubliner-settle-wage-theft-violations-with-mass-ag" target="_self">The Dubliner and Carrie Nation</a> charged customers a 3% service fee and pocketed the money instead of giving it to its restaurant workers.

32BJ, airport workers sue Trump admin. for revoking security clearances

The workers are TPS holders, asylum seekers and green card applicants.

Immigration

The union 32BJ SEIU is suing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Customs and Border Protection" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/11/noem-dhs-contracts-backlog" data-vars-content-id="ac1c0e3f-000a-4a39-87ef-0fc1216ea602" data-vars-headline="32BJ, airport workers sue Trump admin. for revoking security clearances" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/11/noem-dhs-contracts-backlog" target="_self">U.S. Customs and Border Protection</a> after workers with temporary immigration protections were kicked off their jobs at Boston&#x27;s Logan International Airport.Why it matters: Union leaders say the Trump administration is ostracizing foreign-born workers with legal permission to work in the U.S.

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